Equity's Women's Committee research into casting

20 June 2012

Last year members of Equity’s Women’s Committee undertook research on published cast lists for a selection of subsidised theatres in England. Their findings are set out below.

The research suggests a casting picture which is shocking but not unexpected. Of the 36 theatres surveyed only one, the Manchester Royal Exchange, appeared to have employed more actresses than actors. A further five, the Royal Court, Soho, Bristol Old Vic, Keswick Theatre by the Lake and Northampton Theatre Royal, had cast slightly more men than women. In the remaining 30 theatres the roles for men significantly outweighed those for women.

Because the research has been compiled from published sources only Equity cannot be certain that it is 100 per cent accurate. Equity has written to all 36 theatres asking them to check the figures and to discuss with Equity the lack of roles for women. Unfortunately, only eight responded.

Casting in a selection of subsidised theatres: 2009/10 season. Figures compiled from published sources.